Intermittent hypoxia and respiratory recovery in pre-clinical rodent models of incomplete cervical spinal cord injury

Impaired respiratory function is a common and devastating consequence of cervical spinal cord injury. Accordingly, the development safe effective treatments to restore breathing critical. Acute intermittent hypoxia has emerged as promising therapeutic strategy treat insufficiency in individuals with Since original report by Bach Mitchell (1996) concerning long-term facilitation phrenic motor output elicited brief, episodic exposure reduced oxygen, series studies animal models have led realization that acute may tremendous potential for inducing neuroplasticity functional recovery injured cord. Advances our understanding neurobiology prompted us begin explore its effects human clinical studies. Here, we review basic control pathophysiology consequences two experimental incomplete injury (i.e., high hemisection mid-cervical contusion). We then discuss impact on these models: work laid foundation translation this populations. Lastly, examine limitations how future further advance efficacy treatment.